Reality Check

As we celebrate 40 years of travelling the world for Jesus, preaching and teaching the Word while sharing Jesus' love in practical ways, we continue to find our perspective challenged. We are confronted with what I call ‘Reality Checks. (Defined as an occasion on which one is reminded of the state of things in the real world)

Gary and I just returned from four weeks of ministry with the Akha people group in Thailand and Tamil believers in Sri Lanka's Northern and Eastern Provinces.  It was a wonderful trip, involving many airline flights, long drives and hot humid weather. Teaching people who are hungry for the Word of God makes it all worthwhile. (Read 'What's on our Calendar' in last month's blog for details of that journey)

Akha Village Church, lunch of pork noodle soup
and Manprang fruit (in the mango family)

Perspective Shifting
 Reality Check

• It's not about me! It’s about Jesus. It's about people. 
• Church is not about your comfort level and convenience: It’s about hunger for the Word of God and to worship Him

Tamil Village Church, Northern Province Sri Lanka

Pastors and leaders in many nations do not have access to Bible Schools or formal theology training.  It's a joy to be on the teaching team of The Legacy Foundation Course and Bible School, which provide solid, Bible-based teaching: literally the foundation of our faith.  Several students travelled 1.5 hours each way to class by bus or motorcycle.

This Grandfather walks with a crutch because his legs are crippled from polio.  He made the 1.5 hour trip every day on his three-wheeler which is adapted for hand controls.

Only God knows how many lives will be touched and changed through the lives and ministry of these students.

Signs along many roads warn that active landmines remain 17 years after the end of Sri Lanka’s 26-year civil war.   The danger of landmines exploding prevents people from returning to their homes or farming their land. Halo is a nonprofit organization working to clear land mines from war-torn nations. 

URGENT PRAYER IS NEEDED

In April these five boys were forcibly taken from their Myanmar village by the Peoples Defense Army that is fighting the Military Junta which took over Myanmar in 2020. These boys are only 15 years old. 

Please pray for their safety and protection and that they will be returned to their families quickly. Their families are heartbroken and need the Lord’s comfort and strength. 

Three of them were in the Daniel Education Center we support and is run by our Spiritual Son and Daughter.

Our wonderful friends and hosts in Thailand and Sri Lanka made sure we were comfortable, safe and well-fed.

Kao Soi in N Thailand
Akha Feast 
Sri Lankan Rice & Curry Lunch

Abu & Joseph’s daughters call us Api Pala and Apo Pala (Foreign Grandmother and Grandfather)

Eager to embrace my inner child - I clambered into the back of the pickup with the girls for a ride through Thai towns and countryside.  Not your normal 'tourist' experience.  It was so fun.

Our prayer for you is from 2 Peter 1:2 - 3: "Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given us - given you - all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him we called us by glory and virtue."

The Journey Continues ~ Pat

It's great fun to explore the countries God sends us to.
Sunrise at the beach, an elephant sanctuary, Pad Thai, white lotus flowers.

Ready for Some Good News?

With all the chaos going on in our world, it’s wonderful to report positive news.  God is moving by His Spirit in ways that we will never fully know, touching lives and bringing hearts to Jesus. Through your generous support, and the faithful partners God has given us in every nation He takes us to, the work of His kingdom continues whether we can travel there ourselves or not.

Ghana, West Africa: Children at Bosco Orphanage were treated to a New Year’s Day celebration with a delicious meal, music and games.   Plus, they were left with a generous gift of fresh fruit, groceries and needed supplies.

Cambodia

• The border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand has brought great suffering to thousands of innocent people in both nations
• Children in one village now receive food and education at the Children’s Center and School
• Local evangelists continue to visit remote villages, sharing the gospel, baptizing many and establishing house churches

Motorbikes

Two evangelists in Gospel Restricted countries were able to buy motorcycles to travel from village to village on rough dirt tracks that serve as roads.  One had been walking; one had been riding a bicycle. 

Both are excited to use their motor bikes for the glory of God as they share the Good News of Jesus in rural areas.

Every exclamation of joy and delight, every word of gratitude is possible because of your generous support, love and prayers. 

WHAT'S ON OUR CALENDAR

> March 24 - April 7th:  Thailand ministry with the Akha People and some time at the beach

From Thailand we head directly to the Northern shores of Sri Lanka: 

> April 8 - April 19th to teach Legacy Discipleship Training

This area was torn apart by 26 years of civil war that ended in 2009. We believe it will be a strong base for the move of God in Sri Lanka as Pastors and Leaders are further equipped to boldly share the message of Jesus.

The places we are going are 'off the beaten track' and the logistics to get there are a little convoluted, involving several airline flights, long layovers, a 7+ hour road trip, and an overnight sleeper bus.   Whew! The process was a little frustrating and we are grateful that the pieces of the puzzle finally came together.

As I write this, we are completing a week of teaching at Legacy Bible School, about 40 min from where we stay here in India.   It’s an incredible joy to pour into the lives of young people who have said 'yes Lord' I hear you calling my heart and I will follow. 

Do you hear Him calling to your heart? Calling you to come and just be with Him today?   I strongly encourage you to stop and heed His voice. Find your place of peace at His feet: put on a favorite worship song, read His Word, share your heart with Him.  Now let him share His heart with you. 

His eternal peace will keep your heart and mind in the middle of the unrest and turmoil that floods our world. 

The Journey Continues ~ Pat

Join us for a Sunday morning service
 as Gary shares: The Power of Your Shout.

Bartimaeus' eyes were not opened until he opened his mouth. 
Mark 10:46-52

Gifts That Last

Long past Christmas these children and families will remember the love of Jesus that was shared through your generosity.

In countries where Christians are a minority – Christmas is the perfect time to show the love of Jesus in practical ways, and to share the true message of Christmas – that Jesus came to make a way for mankind to reconnect with God.

Here are some of the ways that your loving, prayerful support has touched lives with His love.

Daniel Education Center - Myanmar

Students are preparing for their final examinations in February. This will finish the 2025 -2026 academic year. Without your help these children might go to work in the opium poppy fields to earn money. Now they look forward to a new academic year 2026-2027.

It's such a rewarding experience to be part of the annual Christmas celebration at the tea garden village of Baginbari.  

We've watched many of these children grow up over the past few years.  They receive teaching, tutoring and love throughout the year from local church members. 
 
This year they received school backpacks filled with school supplies and fun activities, a delicious snack box, and groceries for the family.

Children and families of the Akha tribe in several nations received gifts, snacks, groceries, clothes and the Good News of Jesus' love for them.  
They are reminded that someone cares for them - it brings hope and joy.

Exciting things are happening. We'll share more in the next update.

Your year end giving receipt is in the mail.  If you'd like to get a digital copy via email - please let us know.  Just email gary@gwunlimited.com and request it.  

The Journey Continues ~ Pat

The Children at Baginbari love to sing and dance

as they learn about Jesus

That the World May Know

Over two thousand years ago, angels proclaimed ‘Good News of Great Joy’ to the Shepherds.  Gary and I are privileged to continue their mission and proclaim the good news of Jesus wherever He sends us.   

Earlier this month we were in Kenya, East Africa, teaching Pastors and Leaders who don't have access to formal training in a Bible School.   What a joy to encourage them, train them, and see them activated in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 

Gary ministered two Sundays at our host church. It was powerful to worship and fellowship with our Kenyan Brothers and Sisters.

Students and Teachers.  The Joy of the Lord Fills our Hearts.

Since we were already in Kenya - we took a personal vacation and went on safari. 

It was amazing to see God's creation up close and personal. Trying to imagine how Adam felt when he saw the animals come to him to be named! 

All we can say is ‘Wow God’!   

Your continual prayers and faithful support are greatly appreciated. As we walk through open doors it's a great blessing to not worry about the financial cost.  

A new year is almost here: what does God have in store for you?  He promises that whatever it looks like, He will lead and guide you as you continue to submit yourself to Him. Our prayer is that your heart will be filled with the eternal peace that comes from the One we celebrate – the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:2-6)

The Journey Continues ~ Pat

  

                                               

It's Because of You

• It’s because of you – that pure water flows for students in Myanmar

• It’s because of you – that tea garden workers can see to pick the correct tea leaves 

• Because of you – a Sri Lankan woman no longer needs to follow a string to walk from her bed to the bathroom

• Because of you - Christians in India are encouraged and strengthened in their faith

“Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those that need them, they will thank God.” 2 Corinthians 9:11 NLT

Almighty God loves people. This truth continues to overwhelm us.  He demonstrates His love in so many ways.  Because of your generous giving, your prayers and loving support, Gary and I are able to share His great love to ‘the least of these’.  (Matt 25:40)

      

Access to clean water is one of the most urgent needs in developing nations.  A reverse osmosis system was purchased and installed at the Daniel Education Center in Myanmar.  Just look at the delight on this boy's face as he drinks a glass of pure water.  Pure water is healthy water.  

Eye vision clinics demonstrate Jesus’ love through practical means. Tea garden workers work hard for meagre wages based on how much they pick. Eyeglasses help them see the proper leaves to pick, and help them with housework and sewing.

After their eye exam, everyone is prayed for.  Our partners in Sri Lanka continue to hold eye clinics and reported that “There is a great testimony from the town of Buttala. An old lady’s cataract disappeared. She is a non-Christian. Today she had come to the church with her daughter and testified. Before coming to the clinic, she had not gone out of her house and had a string to hold and go to the toilet. But after praying she is healed and removed the string.  The Buttala church worker is invited to have a prayer meeting in her house. “ That's our God - touching hearts and lives and bodies with His healing power.

Our main mission is to strengthen and encourage the Body of Christ as we minister the Word of God, pray for the people and share personal words of encouragement and prophecy as the Lord leads.

They in turn share their faith and the love of Jesus with their family and neighbors.  We cannot forget that India is #11 on the Open Doors World Watch List, which rates the top 40 countries around the world where it is the most difficult to be a Christian.  Working here requires great wisdom and discretion.

Please keep us in your prayers: November 20th - December 5th as we travel to Kenya, East Africa to teach an intensive week-long discipleship training for 50 - 60 Kenyan pastors, followed by a short safari vacation. 

Today, we pray that you will be reminded that Almighty God - loves you.  Let His love overwhelm your heart and flood it with His great joy.

What a Journey! What a God. ~ Pat

 

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Another Generation

Twenty-seven young men and women sit before us, minds and hearts open to receive the Word of God.  

The years roll back as my heart returns to our Bible School days when Gary and I had this same eager expectation: that God has great plans and purposes for us, and the confidence that He would certainly reveal them soon. 

From today’s perspective, forty plus years further on our journey with God, Gary and I confidently assured these expectant students that God is absolutely faithful, never-changing and true to His promises.  However, His picture often looks considerably different than we expect, because His thoughts and plans are so much more intricate and long-reaching than ours. (Isaiah 55:8-9) 

The course on ‘Activating the Gifts of Holy Spirit’, was a joy to both teach and model. The Holy Spirit was present to speak through us, filling and flowing through the students as they put into practice what they learned.

Yes, the upstairs classroom was hot and humid. Fans kept it relatively cool, except on the day the power went off, but we all persevered.  The privilege of speaking into their lives was worth it. A week later Gary was invited to be the graduation speaker.

Bible School teaching is one of my favorite things to do.  I understand why my mother loved teaching about Holy Spirit at Shiloh Training Institute. 

(Gary and I attended Shiloh in the ‘80’s. Mom & Gary both taught there for several years. Located in Hamilton, Montana, the school has since closed)

It’s been a month since we returned to India. We are settled in our flat (aka apartment) and have both had opportunity to share the Word at our home church where we were warmly welcomed back. 

There are challenges.   One cool, peaceful morning while on our balcony chatting with my sister, two utility poles on our street erupted in flames and sparks with a gunshot-like explosion. This created a power surge throughout the neighborhood.  After resetting breakers, we discovered that both our air conditioner units and our refrigerator were damaged. Parts and repair will take a week. We are grateful the temperature has cooled off some and the fans are working.

There is so much chaos and tragedy in our world, and yet there is a feeling of anticipation –  what will God do? The light of Jesus shines in the darkness – and darkness will never overcome it.  ( John 1:5) We are each called to be light, to bring hope and Jesus wherever we find ourselves. 

 Our prayer is that your passion for Jesus will burn bright, that your flame will light the way for many hurting hearts to find the hope that only He can give them.

The Journey Continues - Pat

Tea Pluckers Harvesting the Second Flush

Where Did the Time Go?

This is a commonly asked question that really doesn’t have an answer.  We all know that the clock ticks at the same pace day after day – and yet there are times when it ‘seems’ as if the days go by at double speed.

That’s how Gary and I feel about our three months in the United States.  Our sturdy Chevy Equinox logged 5,125 miles as we drove north from Las Vegas to Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, then further north into Alberta, Canada and back down to Las Vegas.  Reconnecting with family and friends, ministering at partner churches, marveling at the beauty of God’s creation.  Our hearts are filled with gratitude for everyone who hosted us, fed us and allowed us to stay in their homes. Truly the Family of God in action.

When you travel a lot, there is no routine.   It takes a conscious effort to stay focused and aware of the Lord’s purpose and presence in our lives.

When everything in our lives is changing – the Lord is our Rock.  His Word, His presence anchors us to His heart.

I love this passage in The Passion Translation: 

So it is impossible for God to lie for we know that his promise and his vow will never change!

And now we have run into his heart to hide ourselves in his faithfulness. This is where we find his strength and comfort, for he empowers us to seize what has already been established ahead of time—an unshakable hope! 

We have this certain hope like a strong, unbreakable anchor holding our souls to God himself. Our anchor of hope is fastened to the mercy seat in the heavenly realm beyond the sacred threshold, and where Jesus, our forerunner, has gone in before us. He is now and forever our royal Priest like Melchizedek.  Hebrews 6: 18 – 20 TPT

Breathtaking Reminder of God's Faithfulness

Tim Hortons Coffee - a Canadian Tradition

Gary and I could never have imagined this life.  We find ourselves continually in awe, wondering how God got us to this point.  We are living out our dream, our calling.  It is the most rewarding life because we are following His heart, His voice:  saying Yes Lord.

NOW: Take your seat, buckle up and prepare to go with us around the world in this five-minute video. 

•  In this brief summary of what God is doing around the world you will see photos from Ghana West Africa, Thailand with the Akha people group, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), and of course India – where we are based. 
  
  
• These faithful men and women are serving God in their home nations where we often cannot go.  We are blessed to support them in prayer, encouragement and financial support.  They are seeing a harvest of souls and transformed lives right where God has placed them.

God is moving through ordinary people like you and I.  Each of us has a mission field: it is right where our feet our today, touching those within our circle, within our reach. Say Yes to God.   Don’t give up! Don’t forget His promises to you personally. Follow after His heart and see what He will do.  

 The Journey Continues with our Faithful God  ~ Pat

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